Stoichiometry(Chemistry)

Question

In the equation 2KClO3 --> 2KCl + 3O2, how many moles of oxygen are produced when 18.0 mol of KClO3 decompose completely?

Answer 1

Hello Lindsay, I'd be happy to help you answer this question!

2KClO3 --> 2KCl + 3O2

Both sides of the reaction are balanced, because there is the same number of both elements on the product and reactant side of the reaction. Therefore the coefficients will provide the ratio. For every 3 moles of O₂ that are produced there are 2 moles of KClO₃ that decompose . Therefore the ratio is 3 to 2. Starting with 18.0 moles of KClO₃ you will get:

18.0 mol KClO₃ x 3 mol O₂ = 27.0 mol O₂

2 mol KClO₃

Your answer is 27.0 mol O₂